RICHMOND, VA. (January 30, 2012) –The roster and schedule for the ECNL Elite Player PDP – Madison have been announced.The event will take place February 4-5, 2012, with 45 of the best players from four ECNL clubs in the Midwest: FC Milwaukee Nationals (WI), Minnesota Thunder Academy (MN), Sockers FC – Chicago (IL), and St. Louis Scott Gallagher (IL).

For a full roster of the participating players, including team assignments and schedule for this event, click here.

The ECNL Elite Training Player Development Program – Madison will begin with a training session on Saturday morning designed to get the players familiar with each other and to teach team tactical concepts. The players will also take part in the Nike Elite Training 2.0 technical testing program. On Saturday afternoon, the players will then play a 9 vs. 9 match in their assigned teams. The players will play another match on Sunday morning to conclude the event. Between the sessions on Saturday, long-time US Women’s National Team playerLindsay Tarpley will speak to the players about her experiences as a professional in WPS, a national team player at almost every youth and senior level in the United States, and as an Olympic gold medalist.

ECNL Elite Trainings are in conjunction with US Club Soccer’s id² Player Development Programs (PDPs). PDPs are regionally-based identification and development programs within US Club Soccer’s id² Program with three primary goals: (i) provide the top players within specified elite leagues with an opportunity to be identified and evaluated for higher levels of play; (ii) provide a developmentalexperience; and (iii) recognize and reward individual performance and achievement. PDPs are operated in conjunction with elite leagues sanctioned by US Club Soccer.

The full schedule of ECNL Elite Training PDP events is available here.

Players are selected for the ECNL Elite Training PDPs based on their performance in ECNL competitions and by recommendations from ECNL coaches. The ECNL will be hosting ten Elite Training PDP events across the country over the next six months, providing an opportunity for the top players in every ECNL Member Club. There are no costs for participation in ECNL Elite Training PDP. The ECNL covers all staffing, facility rental, and equipment costs for the ECNL Elite Training PDPs. The only responsibility for participating players will be the cost of travel and accommodation.

ABOUT THE ECNL:
The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is a registered 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization. The ECNL was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) Improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league with multiple flights; (ii) Improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players for the U.S. Soccer youth national teams through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer.

ABOUT US CLUB SOCCER:
US Club Soccer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop competitive club soccer in the United States. A member of the United States Soccer Federation since July 2001, US Club Soccer has grown to include member clubs and leagues in all 50 states. In addition to sanctioning and administering tournaments, leagues and other competitions as well as offering a range of programs for its members, US Club Soccer annually conducts the National Cup. US Club Soccer also directs its own player identification and development program – id2.

RICHMOND, VA (January 18, 2012)- The Elite Clubs National League announced the All-Event Teams from the second event in the 2011-2012 ECNL National Showcase Event Series, which was held December 28-30, 2011 in Sanford, FL. A total of 150 teams from 47 ECNL Member Clubs participated in the event, with games taking place at facilities across Seminole County, including the Seminole Soccer Complex, Sylvan Lakes Park, and Central Winds Park.

The ECNL All-Event Teams are selected based upon nominations from coaches and scouts based upon individual and team performances over the course of the three-game event. At the Sanford event, thirteen clubs placed at least a pair of players on All-Event Teams, including three players each from Eclipse Select Soccer Club and Concorde Fire. A total of 29 different ECNL Member Clubs were represented among the 44 honored players.  

The All-Event Teams from the 2011-12 ECNL National Showcase Event Series- Sanford, FL are:

U-15 All-Event Team
Name, Club, Position
Nathalie Nidetch, Albertson Fury, GK
Grace Vowell, FC Dallas, D
Whitney Brown, Dallas Texans, D
Sara Swafford, Concorde Fire, D
Kayla McCoy, Eclipse Select Soccer Club, M
Ella Stevens, Gwinnett Soccer Association, M
Marisa Kutchma, St. Louis Scott Gallagher, M
Hope Hyde, Dallas Sting, F
Kelly Sweeney, Vardar, F
Natalie Breeden, St. Louis Scott Gallagher, F
Miranda Weslake, Carolina Elite Soccer Academy, F

U-16 All-Event Team
Name, Club, Position
Audrey Sanderson, Birmingham United, GK
Alya Shams, D’Feeters Soccer Club, D
Alexis Urch, Lonestar SC, D
Imani Dorsey, Freestate Soccer Alliance, M
Natalie Goodman, Gwinnett Soccer Association, M
Ashton Miller, Michigan Hawks, M
Katerina Weikert, Ohio Premier Eagles, M
Taylor Timko, Vardar, M
Madeline Huster, Ohio Elite Soccer Academy, F
Mariah Lee, Washington Premier, F
Laya Rybicki, Challenge SC, F

U-17 All-Event Team
Name, Club, Position
Bridget Conway, Scorpions SC, GK
Erin Holland, Eclipse Select Soccer Club, D
Kimberly Slade, FC Stars of Massachusetts, D
Molly Pittman, Carmel United, D
Joanna Boyles, CASL Chelsea Ladies, M
Gabrielle Seiler, Concorde Fire, M
Mikayla Elmer, Utah Avalanche, M
Savannah Jordan, Concorde Fire, F
Meaghan Carrigan, Carolina Elite Soccer Academy, F
Alyssa Fratarcangeli, Connecticut FC, F
Morgan Reuther , McLean Youth Soccer, F

U18 All-Event Team
Name, Club, Position
Caroline Casey, Virginia Rush, GK
Kathryn Thimons, Conneticut FC , D
Allison Mills, FC Stars of Massachusetts, D
Caroline Lindquist, CASL Chelsea Ladies, D
Dayna Tomayko, FC Virginia, M
Cari Roccaro, Albertson Fury, M
Allison Murphy, D’Feeters Soccer Club, M
Gabriele Moreno, Freestate Soccer Alliance, M
Olivia Pappalardo, Eclipse Select Soccer Club, F
Mallory Weber, Michigan Hawks, F
Natalia Pinkney, FC Delco, F

For a complete list in PDF format, click here. 

The 2011-2012 ECNL National Showcase Event Series returns February 24-26, 2012 at the Star Soccer Complex in San Antonio, Texas.

ABOUT THE ECNL: The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is a registered 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization. The ECNL was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) Improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league with multiple flights; (ii) Improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players for the U.S. Soccer youth national teams through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer. 

RICHMOND, VA. (January 18, 2012) –The r

For a full roster of the participating players, including team assignments for this event, click here (Roster as of 1.18.12).

The ECNL Elite Training PDP- Philadelphia will begin with a training session on Saturday morning designed to get the players familiar with each other and to teach team tactical concepts. The players will then play an 11v11 match on Saturday afternoon. The players will play another match on Sunday morning to conclude the event.

ECNL Elite Trainings are in conjunction with US Club Soccer’s id² Player Development Programs (PDPs). PDPs are regionally-based identification and development programs within US Club Soccer’s id² Program with three primary goals: (i) provide the top players within specified elite leagues with an opportunity to be identified and evaluated for higher levels of play; (ii) provide a developmentalexperience; and (iii) recognize and reward individual performance and achievement. PDPs are operated in conjunction with elite leagues sanctioned by US Club Soccer.

The full schedule of ECNL Elite Training PDP events is available here.

Players are selected for the ECNL Elite Training PDPs based on their performance in ECNL competitions and by recommendations from ECNL coaches. The ECNL will be hosting ten Elite Training PDP events across the country over the next six months, providing an opportunity for the top players in every ECNL club.There are no costs for participation in ECNL Elite Training PDP. The ECNL covers all staffing, facility rental, and equipment costs for the ECNL Elite Training PDPs. The only responsibility for participating players will be the cost of travel and accommodation.   

Player Idenification Platform | ECNL/id² Player Development Programs | ECNL/id² National Training Camp

RICHMOND, VA. (Jan. 9, 2012) –The ECNL has significantly expanded its Player Identification Platform for the 2011-12 season, announcing the introduction of ten Player Development Programs to be held across the country in early 2012, and an expanded National Training Camp in July. Both the Player Development Programs and the National Training Camp are part of US Club Soccer’s id² National Identification andDevelopment Program.

The ECNL / id² Player Development Programs will provide an opportunity for the top players within every ECNL Conference at the 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 age groups to play with and against the best players within their region at multiple age groups, and to attend presentations from leading coaches or experts in elite athlete development. The ECNL / id² Player Development Programs have been created with three primary goals: (i) identify the top players within each ECNL conference at multiple age groups; (ii) provide a developmentalexperience; and (iii) recognize and reward individual performance and achievement.

Players are selected for the ECNL / id² Player Development Programs based on their performance in ECNL competitions and recommendations from coaches. Each Player Development Program will occur over two days and will include three training sessions/matches and a presentation for the players. All players will also receive Nike training gear.

There are no costs for participation in the ECNL / id² Player Development Programs, as the ECNL covers all staffing, facility rental, and equipment costs. The only responsibility for participating players will be the cost of travel and accommodation (where necessary). The ECNL / id² Player Development Program schedule is available on the ECNL website. The lists of participating players will be distributed before each event. 

The 2012 ECNL / id² National Training Camp will invite approximately 90 players from the 1993-1996 birth years to a four-day camp to be held in July 2012. Players will be invited to participate in the National Training Camp based upon their performance in ECNL competitions and in the ECNL / id² Player Development Programs over the course of the year. Further information on the 2012 ECNL / id² National Training Camp will be provided in the coming weeks.

“By adding the ECNL / id² Player Development Programs and expanding the National Training Camp, the ECNL is providing an opportunity for more than 600 of the best players in the country to be identified and scouted for youth national teams and colleges – all at virtually no cost to the players,” said ECNL President Christian Lavers. “Just as importantly, by integrating the scouting process into ECNL competitions and by involving the club coaches that work with these players on a daily basis, there are few additional calendar demands imposed on the players.”

A total of 150 U-15 through U-18 girls’ teams will take part in the Sanford National Event, each playing three games over three days. Upwards of 300 college coaches are expected to be in attendance, offering players the opportunity to play in front of college scouts against the best teams in the country.

In addition, during the first two days of the event, ECNL Player Identification Program Scouts will be on hand to scout almost 100 ECNL games, during which players will be evaluated in their regular team environment against top-level opponents. ECNL Scouts will be objectively evaluating players for consideration in either the 2011-2012 ECNL Conference Combines (a new program launched this season), or the 2011-2012 ECNL / id2 National Training Camp. The ECNL Player Identificsation Program is designed to provide a process to identify players for consideration in youth national teams that does not add additional financial and time burdens on elite players.

Check back throughout the event for updates and videos from Sanford, Florida.

About the ECNL: The ECNL is a non-profit national youth soccer league founded in 2009 to provide the best possible developmental environment for American female youth soccer players through the creation of the highest level of national competition and an identification and development program to provide an avenue for players to participate in U.S. Soccer’s National Teams. The 2011-12 season is the ECNL’s third season. Each of the 66 member clubs in 2011-12 field a team in the U-14, U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18 age groups, each competing for the ECNL National Championship, the ECNL National Club Championship and promotion and relegation between flights. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and sponsored by Nike.

For more information regarding the application process, please download the 2012-2013 ECNL New Membership Application.  

Founded in 2009 with 40 member clubs, the ECNL now includes 66 of the top girls' soccer clubs throughout the country competing in the nation’s toughest girls youth soccer league. In addition to the unmatched competition in the ECNL, players in ECNL Member Clubs also have access to a no-cost scouting and player identification program based on scouting at ECNL competitions and events, as well as training camps offered throughout the country for selected players. New in 2011-2012, ECNL coaches are also provided with unique coaching education and development workshops and seminars at ECNL events. 

In 2011-2012, the ECNL competition is being played in 5 age groups, from U14 – U18.  Participation in the ECNL provides enhanced player development opportunities by providing consistent competition against the nation’s top female players, and allowing a significantly improved training-to-game ratio for players. Finally, the ECNL National Showcases are the most heavily scouted events in the country by college soccer coaches, providing unmatched exposure and opportunity for participating players.  

“We are very excited about the future of the ECNL,” said Sarah Kate Noftsinger, ECNL Commissioner. “The growth of the ECNL in both programming and in member clubs over the past 2 years has been careful but significant, and the next steps in this process will continue to emphasize improving the overall experience for elite female soccer players across the country.”

"The ECNL holds the participating clubs to high standards in many areas, and we are always looking to find new clubs with the right qualities that want to join this movement," said Christian Lavers, ECNL President.  “There is no better platform in the country for technical leaders in the youth girls game to come together to create innovative programs that improve the player experience and provide more opportunity.”

"Membership in the ECNL provides clubs with one program that addresses three of the most important components of youth soccer: a top level competition schedule, an integrated player identification process, and a coaching education and club development program," said ECNL Vice President Doug Bracken. "By using the resources and ideas of all the participating clubs in this process, the ECNL is helping clubs and players improve every year faster than ever before."

2012-12 ECNL New Membership Applications will be accepted through January 15, and new members will be announced in February.

About the ECNL: The ECNL is a non-profit national youth soccer league founded in 2009 to provide the best possible developmental environment for American female youth soccer players through the creation of the highest level of national competition and an identification and development program to provide an avenue for players to participate in U.S. Soccer’s National Teams. The 2011-12 season is the ECNL’s third season. Each of the 66 member clubs in 2011-12 field a team in the U-14, U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18 age groups, each competing for the ECNL National Championship, the ECNL National Club Championship and promotion and relegation between flights.   The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and sponsored by Nike.

At the Phoenix event, thirteen clubs placed at least a pair of players on All-Event Teams, including three players each from Eclipse, KCFC, Michigan Hawks, Real So Cal, and St. Louis Scott Gallagher, as a total of 27 different clubs were represented among the 44 honored players.  

Richmond, VA (October 17, 2011): The HydroWorx cold pools have been an exceptional recovery tool for players at several ECNL National Showcase Events in the past year, and HydroWorx is an important partner in the ECNL’s Health Wellness and Rejuvenation Platform (the “HER Platform”). HydroWorx would love to hear about how the cold pool and the HER Player Rejuventation Centers helped ECNL players recover at the first ECNL National Showcase Event - Phoenix, October 8-11, 2011. For providing your feedback, you will be entered into a drawing by HydroWorx to win a $100 iTunes gift card.

How to enter:

1. Visit the HydroWorx Facebook page and ‘Like’ HydroWorx. Then, post on the HydroWorx wall about your experience using the HydroWorx cold pool. You must include in your post the name of the club team you play for and your jersey number. For example – “I feel great after my cold pool dip! Ready for my next game....FCMilwaukeeU18 #2.”
2. You can also visit the HydroWorx Twitter page and ‘follow’ HydroWorx. After becoming a follower of HydroWorx, tweet about your experience trying out the HydroWorx cold pool. You must include in your Tweet the name of the club team you play for and your jersey number. For example – “I feel great after my cold pool dip! Ready for my next game....SlammersU16 #17.”

*If you do either of these two things you will be entered into a drawing to win the $100 iTunes gift card. If you do both, you will be entered into the drawing twice! 

Contestant Eligibility: To be eligible for the drawing, you must: (i) be an ECNL rostered player; (ii) have attended the ECNL National Showcase Event - Phoenix 10/8/2011 – 10/10/2011; and (iii) used the HydroWorx cold pool after a game. Your Facebook post or Twitter comment must be received by 12:00 PM EST Friday, October 28, 2011. You must include in your post the club team you play for and your jersey number so we can identify you.

About the ECNL Health Wellness and Rejuvenation Platform ("HER Platform”): The ECNL HER Platform was launched by the ECNL in 2011 to use sport-science research to educate ECNL players about recovery and rejuvenation, and to provide onsite ability for players to recover after competition. The goals of the ECNL HER Platform are: (i) to develop a superior, comprehensive, and accessible health, wellness, and rejuvenation experience and resource for the nation’s elite female youth soccer players; and (ii) to inspire and allow ECNL athletes to perform at their best everyday. By creating the HER Platform, the ECNL continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating the best environment for developing the next generation of American elite female soccer players.

With the support of HydroWorx, the ECNL will be providing a cold pool for all the ECNL players to use at the 2011-12 ECNL National Showcase Events to help speed the postgame recovery process. The cold pool will be located on-site at the HER Platform ECNL Player Rejuvenation Center.

About HydroWorx: To learn more about HydroWorx and their line of portable underwater treadmills, therapy pools, and cold and hot pools please visit www.hydroworx.com. Visit HydroWorx’s free online video library of remarkable recovery case studies of how HydroWorx underwater treadmills have played a major role in patient physical rehabilitation. There are many examples of how the HydroWorx underwater treadmill is used to recover from soccer specific injuries under the orthopedic conditions section, http://www.hydroworx.com/video-library. You may also email HydroWorx at corporate@hydroworx.com to find a HydroWorx pool near you.

October 7, 2011: "ECNL showcased in Phoenix," by Chris Ackels.  (Event Preview.)

RICHMOND, VA (August 19, 2011): From August 8th to 15th, the 2011 ECNL / id2 International Select team was in and around London, England playing top youth academy teams, taking in the sights, and learning about traveling and playing together as international representatives of some of the best the USA has to offer. 

The 2011 ECNL/id2 International Tour roster is comprised of the top 17 ECNL players in the 1994 and 1995 age groups, selected based on their performances over the ECNL season and at the 2011 ECNL/id2 National Training Camp in Tallahassee, Florida, in February 10-13, 2011. Fourteen different ECNL Clubs are represented in the team, with FC Stars of Massachusetts leading the way with three players on the roster.

Nike and the ECNL covered all of the costs associated with the tour, including airfare, ground transportation, accommodations, and food. Accompanying the team were ECNL Commissioner Sarah Kate Noftsinger, coaches Jay Howell (Birmingham FC) and Chris King (Ohio Premier), and Emily Fortunato, physical trainer from M.O.S.T.

Two media professionals also accompanied the group documenting and reporting on the trip from multiple perspectives. Fay Wells of ESPN High School (formely ESPN RISE) and Chris Hummer of National Soccer Wire filed multiple stories, photos, and videos.

While the trip itself ended on the 15th, the sheer volume of video recorded should continue to supply new pieces to be shared with the world. Below is a list of all the stories, photos, and video produced so far, and we’ll keep updating as more is completed. Future content will include video highlights and interviews with each one of the 17 players attending. 

Media Coverage/News Stories 

Aug 5 - ECNL sends all-star selection of ’94, ’95 girls on tour to England - Soccer Wire

Aug 9 - ECNL London Tour: By The Numbers - ESPN HS

Aug 9 - Players have their say at teh ECNL Tour - ESPN HS

Aug 10 - 5 things to watch as ECNL faces England - ESPN HS

Aug 10 - ECNL International tour team notches first win of three-game England tour - Soccer Wire

Aug 12 - ECNL improvises for a 5-2 win over Chelsea - ESPN HS

Aug 13 - ECNL International team downs Chelsea 5-2 in game two of England Tour - Soccer Wire

Aug 16 - ECNL all-stars wrap up England tour with 7-0 dispatching of Aston Villa U-17s - Soccer Wire
 

Videos

Aug 10 - ECNL girls arrive in London, preview week - ESPN HS

Aug 10 - Toni Payne wonder goal against Bristol Academy - Soccer Wire

Aug 10 - Full highlights of first match against Bristol Academy - Soccer Wire

Aug 14 - Full highlights of third match against Aston Villa - Soccer Wire
 

Photos

Aug 11 - ECNL Tour Photo Gallery - ESPN HS

Aug 15 - ECNL London Trip 2011 - Photos by Chris Hummer & Fay Wells

2010-2011 Challenge-A Final Standings

2010-2011 Challenge-B Final Standings

U15 ECNL National Champion:  Lonestar SC

U16 ECNL National Champion:  CASL

U17 ECNL National Champion: San Diego Surf

U18 ECNL National Champion: KCFC

RICHMOND, VA (August 19, 2011): From August 8th to 15th, the 2011 ECNL / id2 International Select team was in and around London, England playing top youth academy teams, taking in the sights, and learning about traveling and playing together as international representatives of some of the best the USA has to offer. 

The 2011 ECNL/id2 International Tour roster is comprised of the top 17 ECNL players in the 1994 and 1995 age groups, selected based on their performances over the ECNL season and at the 2011 ECNL/id2 National Training Camp in Tallahassee, Florida, in February 10-13, 2011. Fourteen different ECNL Clubs are represented in the team, with FC Stars of Massachusetts leading the way with three players on the roster.

Nike and the ECNL covered all of the costs associated with the tour, including airfare, ground transportation, accommodations, and food. Accompanying the team were ECNL Commissioner Sarah Kate Noftsinger, coaches Jay Howell (Birmingham FC) and Chris King (Ohio Premier), and Emily Fortunato, physical trainer from M.O.S.T.

Two media professionals also accompanied the group documenting and reporting on the trip from multiple perspectives. Fay Wells of ESPN High School (formely ESPN RISE) and Chris Hummer of National Soccer Wire filed multiple stories, photos, and videos.

While the trip itself ended on the 15th, the sheer volume of video recorded should continue to supply new pieces to be shared with the world. Below is a list of all the stories, photos, and video produced so far, and we’ll keep updating as more is completed. Future content will include video highlights and interviews with each one of the 17 players attending. 

Media Coverage/News Stories 

Aug 5 - ECNL sends all-star selection of ’94, ’95 girls on tour to England - Soccer Wire

Aug 9 - ECNL London Tour: By The Numbers - ESPN HS

Aug 9 - Players have their say at teh ECNL Tour - ESPN HS

Aug 10 - 5 things to watch as ECNL faces England - ESPN HS

Aug 10 - ECNL International tour team notches first win of three-game England tour - Soccer Wire

Aug 12 - ECNL improvises for a 5-2 win over Chelsea - ESPN HS

Aug 13 - ECNL International team downs Chelsea 5-2 in game two of England Tour - Soccer Wire

Aug 16 - ECNL all-stars wrap up England tour with 7-0 dispatching of Aston Villa U-17s - Soccer Wire
 

Videos

Aug 10 - ECNL girls arrive in London, preview week - ESPN HS

Aug 10 - Toni Payne wonder goal against Bristol Academy - Soccer Wire

Aug 10 - Full highlights of first match against Bristol Academy - Soccer Wire

Aug 14 - Full highlights of third match against Aston Villa - Soccer Wire
 

Photos

Aug 11 - ECNL Tour Photo Gallery - ESPN HS

Aug 15 - ECNL London Trip 2011 - Photos by Chris Hummer & Fay Wells

The ECNL will have two different team competition standings and corresponding championships in the 2011-2012 season:

• (i) the ECNL Conference Standings and ECNL Conference Champions; and 
• (ii) the ECNL National Championship Standings and ECNL National Champions.   

In addition, the ECNL will have the coveted club competition, crowning an ECNL Overall Club Champion.  For more information on the 2011-12 ECNL Competition Structure, including these three competition structures, please visit 2011-12 ECNL Compeition Structure.